Pakistani drama makers including the actors, directors, writers or producers rarely venture into the thriller/mystery genre because they are usually a gamble. The usual love triangles or saas-bahu storylines are tried, tested and safe which is why they deem it better to pour their energies and resources into that. Amidst all such stories, Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly’s Ye Dil Mera is like a breath of fresh air. The drama doesn’t have the usual ingredients of a masala entertainer but the way the story unfolds and the scenes transition make it a compelling and exciting watch.
Ye Dil Mera is centred around Noor ul Ain, Aina (Sajal Aly) who is the only daughter of Mir Farooq Zaman (Adnan Siddiqui). The father dotes on his daughter and ensures that she is always wrapped in a protective bubble. Aina is married to Amaanullah (Ahad Raza Mir), who has a dark past. Amaan’s character is the desi version of Christian Grey, minus the fetishes. While on the surface of it, all three lead characters lead perfectly, rich lives, it is the multiple layers below the surface that move the plot. Aina suffers from nightmares, reminiscent of a dark past in which her mother was killed when she was very young. Amaan’s parents and sister are also dead and despite being a successful businessman, he is a bitter person. On the other hand, Farooq who appears to be the perfect father leads a double life. All three characters have an intertwined past and the plot is built upon that.
The script, penned by Farhat Ishtiaq is perhaps the strongest part of the entire drama – it boasts marvellous storytelling which keeps the viewers captivated. Couple that with phenomenal performances and excellent direction (by Aehsun Talish) and you have a top-class product. Though the drama starts typically with boy meeting girl and the two falling in love and drags at a few points, it soon quickly moves to the main plot. Each scene flows into the next and there are no loose ends left untied in any episode. The drama does get predictable at points but the good thing is that the makers haven’t waited till the last episode to reveal all the secrets – those keep unravelling as we go on.
While the three leads – Sajal, Ahad and Adnan – all have given powerful performances, Ahad stole the show. The way he jumps from one mood into another with utmost ease is a treat to watch. His character has multiple layers and shades and Ahad executes each one of them perfectly. And of course, how can we forget to mention Sajal and Ahad’s chemistry – it’s lit as always.
One thing I’d like to add before finishing the review is that I liked how there was no shame attached to having mental problems. At several points through the drama, the lead characters encourage each other to seek proper treatment for the problems they are facing. The therapist, Dr has also been shown as a pleasant character.
If you enjoyed Yakeen Ka Safar, chances are that you will love Ye Dil Mera as well. And given that 23 episodes of the drama have aired so far and we’re all self-isolating at home, it’s a good idea to start binge-watching the drama.
